US Withdraws From 66 International Organisations, Including ISA

(MENAFN- KNN India) New Delhi, Jan 9 (KNN) The United States has decided to withdraw from 66 international organisations, marking one of the most significant reductions in multilateral engagement in recent decades.

The decision was formalised through a presidential memorandum issued on January 7 by President Donald Trump and includes exits from major climate-related bodies such as the India-headquartered International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

While the US exit from the ISA-an initiative led by India and France to expand global solar capacity-is not expected to affect its core objectives, the move has drawn attention as the administration had not earlier indicated plans to withdraw from the grouping.

Scope and Rationale

The memorandum covers 31 United Nations–linked entities and 35 non-UN organisations across sectors including climate, health, education, trade, human rights and governance.

The White House said the organisations were identified as“wasteful, ineffective, or harmful” and misaligned with US interests.

Alongside climate institutions such as the UNFCCC and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the list includes UNESCO and the World Health Organisation.

Administration officials said the decision follows a review mandated by an executive order issued shortly after Trump's inauguration in January 2025.

In some cases, the US has formally withdrawn, while in others it has reduced funding or engagement, citing concerns over regulatory burdens, inefficiency and limited benefits for US taxpayers.

Funding cuts have already forced agencies such as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the World Food Programme to scale back operations.

Strategic Context and Reactions

Trump has framed the move as part of his 'America First' agenda, arguing that resources should be redirected towards domestic priorities.

The announcement coincided with a proposal for a sharply higher defence budget, reinforcing debate over a more security-focused and inward-looking US posture.

The withdrawals have drawn criticism from allies and international groups, with concerns raised over impacts on global cooperation and climate action. Legal questions also remain over the process of withdrawing from certain treaties.

(KNN Bureau)

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